C139. Jia Qing.

C139. Jia Qing.

During times of unrest, cryptic pronouncements abound, often originating from soothsayers. These pronouncements, veiled in obscurity, defy immediate comprehension.

However, through a process of association, they can be linked to a multitude of individuals and events. The more one contemplates them, the more apt they seem to become, fostering a sense of uncanny accuracy.

Just like Wu Shanshi, after contemplating the signs he was sure that the prophecy "After three hundred years, three golds shall rise" referred to him.

The Northern Zhou dynasty had lasted for three hundred years, undoubtedly referring to the end of the Northern Zhou dynasty.

But what did "three golds" mean? This might confuse some, but it didn't confuse Wu Shanshi.

The character "Wu" beneath the character "Tian" represents metal in the Five Elements. The character "Shan" is derived from the character for sheep, also representing metal in the Five Elements, and the character "Shi" does the same.

With these three metals combined, isn't this the "three golds"?

Isn't this implying the rise of Wu Shanshi?

Wu Shanshi felt his interpretations were accurate. This prophecy must be foretelling his eventual overthrow of the Northern Zhou dynasty and the establishment of a new regime.

Considering all these factors, Wu Shanshi believed it was the inevitable trend, and he could no longer avoid claiming the throne.

However, he was too emotional to handle the situation alone. After much contemplation, Wu Shanshi summoned Zhou Gongdan and asked, "What do you think is the meaning behind the prophecy 'After three hundred years, three golds shall rise'?"

Zhou Gongdan pondered for a long time and slowly responded under Wu Shanshi's growing anticipation, "When I heard the prophecy, I did indeed think of you, my Lord."

Delighted, Wu Shanshi cautiously asked, "Do you believe this prophecy to be true?"

Zhou Gongdan sighed, "My Lord, nobody knows if this prophecy is true. What we do know is that the rumor of the Golden Dragon's appearance has spread throughout the entire Jizhou region."

Wu Shanshi was stunned and immediately sent someone to investigate, verifying Zhou Gongdan's words. The rumor had indeed permeated every corner of the Jizhou region.

Even Wu Shanshi's foolish followers and subordinates saw this as an opportunity for his rise.

Even Cai Ji, who had come to join Wu Shanshi, specifically congratulated him, praising him at every turn. He claimed that the auspicious signs were a heavenly decree to prevent Wu Shanshi from being defamed as a villain, thus manifesting in Jizhou.

Wu Shanshi was pleased with his words because he shared the same belief.

Seeing his approval, Cai Ji's flattery increased. In reality, Cai Ji did not truly believe in the rumors. He thought these auspicious signs were all fabricated by Wu Shanshi to clear his name.

Although Cai Ji found the rumor of the Golden Dragon's appearance dangerous, he speculated that Wu Shanshi's intention in spreading these signs was to show loyalty to the Emperor.

Wu Shanshi might have thought, "Emperor, look - even the Golden Dragon has descended in my domain, showcasing my loyalty to you and the Northern Zhou dynasty. My loyalty has moved even the Golden Dragon, hence its arrival in Jizhou, to cleanse me of the false accusations of treason and betrayal."

Cai Ji believed he understood Wu Shanshi's thoughts.

He also believed that Wu Shanshi's followers and subordinates shared the same sentiment.

As Wu Shanshi observed their joy in this belief, a peculiar idea began to occupy his mind.

It seemed that the people of Jizhou were eagerly anticipating his ascension to the throne.

It seemed that the people of the entire realm believed he had the ability to become Emperor.

Upon returning home that evening, Wu Shanshi's mother and his wife also mentioned this matter to him. They were unaware of the political implications of the auspicious signs or the significance of the Golden Dragon's appearance in Jizhou.

They simply believed the rumors and took pride in them.

His mother even said, "Those people from our hometown in Runan cruelly abandoned my son, looking down on him. But now, the Golden Dragon has chosen to appear in my son's domain. Hmph, the heavens see clearer than those people. My son's future is destined for greatness, beyond the reach of those individuals."

Upon hearing her words, Wu Shanshi also recalled the attitude of the Wu family in Runan.

When he requested the Wu family in Runan to send Mi Tai and to provide him with talented individuals, they mercilessly rejected him.

He knew why the family had rejected him—it was because of his tarnished reputation and wrongdoings. Therefore, the Wu family in Runan deemed him useless, and even sending talents to Jizhou would be a waste.

It was extremely frustrating.

Just the thought of this incident made Wu Shanshi see red.

That night, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep. His mind was consumed with thoughts of how the people in his clan would eagerly curry favor with him and tremble in fear of his revenge if he were to become Emperor.

And those who had betrayed and fled from Wu Shanshi need not even be mentioned—they would surely regret their actions and the missed opportunity to align themselves with the future Emperor, cutting off their path to wealth and glory.

The more Wu Shanshi pondered, the more agitated he became, sleeping not a wink all night. But by the break of dawn, he regained his composure.

Although the urge to declare himself Emperor was strong, Wu Shanshi also understood that such a bold move carried immense risks. If he declared himself Emperor, neighboring lords might marshal their forces to attack him.

After much contemplation, Wu Shanshi decided to approach the matter cautiously.

If he wanted to become Emperor, at the very least his own people had to agree. If even they didn't agree, how could Wu Shanshi ascend to the throne?

On that day, Wu Shanshi summoned a few trusted confidants to discuss the auspicious signs once again.

The room fell silent as they exchanged knowing glances, beginning to grasp their Lord's intentions.

But how could the Lord dare to entertain such a treacherous idea?

No one dared to speak; Wu Shanshi's expression darkened, his smile disappearing. Finally, he fixed his gaze on Zhou Gongdan, asking, "Wen Ning, do you have anything to say?"

In a tense atmosphere, Zhou Gongdan stepped forward and bowed to Wu Shanshi.

Upon rising, Zhou Gongdan's expression showed resolve. Instead of attempting to dissuade Wu Shanshi with tactful words, he spoke directly, "My Lord, you are indeed the chosen Emperor by the heavens. In that case, how can we defy the will of heaven? My Lord, if you have a desire, then boldly pursue it. The heavens have already paved the way for us to this extent. Hesitation and fear will only squander this opportunity."

Wu Shanshi's face lit up with joy, and he couldn't help but grasp Zhou Gongdan's hand, sighing with gratitude, "Wen Ning, you truly understand my heart. With your words, I feel at ease."

The others looked at each other, unsure whether to agree or dispute.

Under Wu Shanshi's command, there was a general named Jia Qing who gave Zhou Gongdan a deep look.

He was a formidable warrior, known for his intelligence and courage. Jia Qing was a man of few words, with a tough demeanor and unwavering loyalty to Wu Shanshi.

Seeing that no one dared to step forward to advise Wu Shanshi, he slowly stood up and said in a solemn tone, "My Lord, this cannot be."

Wu Shanshi frowned at him, a hint of displeasure in his voice as he asked, "Why do you say it cannot be?"

After a moment of silence, Jia Qing knew that Wu Shanshi did not like to be contradicted. But at that moment, only blunt and direct words could make Wu Shanshi take notice.

Jia Qing's tone was firm, even somewhat forceful as he said, "The Emperor is still alive, and the Northern Zhou dynasty still rules. If you were to declare yourself Emperor now, you would be a usurper, committing a grave offense. This action would only provoke the anger of the people! My Lord, do you wish to be a treacherous rebel like Li Li?"

Wu Shanshi slammed his hand on the table, his heart racing and anger flaring as he pointed at Jia Qing and angrily exclaimed, "Repeat that!"

Undeterred, Jia Qing calmly replied, "My Lord, this cannot be, under no circumstances. As long as the Emperor lives, you should act as a loyal servant to the country and the people."

Wu Shanshi was consumed with rage.

The Qin dynasty, the Qin dynasty—was the rule of the world always to be under the Qin name?!

Emperor, Emperor—was a fifteen-year-old boy who only knew how to eat, drink, and have fun capable of governing better than him, a provincial governor?!

"Shut your mouth!" Wu Shanshi shouted in frustration.

Beside him, Zhou Gongdan's eyes flickered, remaining silent.

Jia Qing pursed his lips, lowering his head as he said, "My Lord, these auspicious signs seem exaggerated, perhaps deliberately orchestrated by someone. I implore you not to act recklessly but instead, apprehend and execute a few commoners spreading these rumors to forcefully suppress the news."

However, while he saw this as a setup, Wu Shanshi viewed it as a sign of divine favor. After uttering these words, Wu Shanshi's expression darkened completely.

Unfazed, Jia Qing continued, "My Lord, allow me to offer a word of advice. Those who support your bid for Emperor surely have ulterior motives. Your advisor Zhou Gongdan is astute; does he not understand the challenges you will face as Emperor? Your reputation has already been tarnished by Li Li, and if you were to declare yourself Emperor, how could the forces in Jizhou stand against the rest of the realm? My Lord, do not be misled by treacherous schemes!"

Enraged and feeling a headache building, Wu Shanshi's trembling finger pointed at Jia Qing. Yet, Jia Qing's words helped him regain some of the clarity that had been clouded by power.

Jia Qing was a man of loyalty and righteousness, steadfastly standing by Wu Shanshi's side through thick and thin. During the campaign against Li Li, Jia Qing was there, even witnessing the death of Wang Yun at Wu Shanshi's hands.

At that time, Jia Qing had tried everything to dissuade Wu Shanshi. After Wang Yun's death, Jia Qing couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine, but he never left Wu Shanshi's side.

Wu Shanshi knew Jia Qing's loyalty, but he also trusted Zhou Gongdan.

He had never been resolute in his decisions, always wavering due to the advice of his courtiers. Inevitably, Wu Shanshi cast a suspicious glance at Zhou Gongdan.

Zhou Gongdan's palms began to sweat.

Under the scrutiny of everyone, the strategist maintained his usual calm demeanor, even smiling wistfully at Jia Qing's doubts, "General, your words truly leave me speechless."

He shook his head with a sigh, "Since I support you in becoming Emperor, naturally, I have a solution."

Wu Shanshi instinctively asked, "What solution?"

Zhou Gongdan slowly began, "The Earl of Che Kangbo in Yanzhou was once humiliated by Yuan Li's troops when they were sent to suppress bandits, and he has a grudge against Yuan Li. He has always had a good relationship with you. This man is indecisive and weak-willed, preferring to live in peace in Yanzhou. During the previous attempt to rescue the Emperor from Li Li, he did not send troops out of fear. I humbly suggest that you could use him. Lure him with benefits to assist in your coronation. If he resists, you can resort to using force to coerce him. In this way, Che Kangbo will surely become your right-hand man."

Deep in thought, Wu Shanshi nodded, "You're right."

He began to waver again.

Yes, if Yanzhou could be persuaded, then becoming Emperor was not an impossible task.

Jia Qing, however, remained unconvinced, his frown deepening as he spoke, "My Lord—"

Zhou Gongdan smiled slightly and firmly interrupted, "General, please allow me to finish."

Wu Shanshi, absorbed in listening, waved his hand in annoyance, "Let him finish before you speak."

Jia Qing could only close his mouth.

Zhou Gongdan picked up the pace of his speech, "Although the Southern Prince Chen is formidable, they are too far from Jizhou. Even if they learn of your coronation and plan to attack, they lack the resources to mount a long expedition. Additionally, their infantry is no match for yours, so for now, Prince Chen is not a significant threat."

Wu Shanshi nodded, stroking his beard, "Indeed, Prince Chen won't be able to mobilize troops against me in the next year or two. The Emperor's two uncles are still keeping an eye on him."

"Exactly," Zhou Gongdan continued, "Currently, the only threats in the North are Chu Hechao and Yuan Li. Facing them with only the support of Che Kangbo from Yanzhou is insufficient. I've heard that Hui Zizhen, the inspector of Qingzhou, is a man who loves wealth. Given your extraordinary background and the vast wealth of Jizhou, by promising Hui Zizhen titles and riches after your coronation, you can surely enlist his support."

After pondering for a moment, Wu Shanshi couldn't help but show a pleased expression.

Zhou Gongdan had considered every aspect for him, leaving no stone unturned. In just a short time, Wu Shanshi approved Zhou Gongdan's idea, even applauding three times before turning to Jia Qing, "Do you have anything else to say?"

Jia Qing felt that Zhou Gongdan's suggestions seemed spot-on in every aspect, yet also had some peculiarities. Although he couldn't pinpoint what was odd in such a short span of time, he resolutely opposed Wu Shanshi's coronation, "I still believe, My Lord, that you should not become Emperor."

Wu Shanshi suppressed his anger and asked, "Why?"

Jia Qing was speechless, his lips trembling before finally saying, "My lord, this matter is truly unacceptable."

"Fool!" Wu Shanshi could no longer contain his anger, grabbing a bamboo slip from the table and throwing it at Jia Qing, hitting him on the forehead. Jia Qing was left with a bleeding head wound. Chaos ensued in the room, and after Jia Qing was helped out by attendants, the others present looked at each other, feeling a chill in their hearts, no one daring to speak.

Wu Shanshi looked around at them. "Does anyone else have objections?"

The group fell silent.

Satisfied, Wu Shanshi nodded and ordered someone to bring ink and paper, immediately writing a letter to be sent to Qingzhou and Yanzhou.